What are the best things to do in Bairnsdale, Victoria?

The best things to do in Bairnsdale, East Gippsland, include visiting the Krowathunkooloong Keeping Place and St Mary’s Church. Also try birdwatching in the Macleod Morass Wildlife Reserve and walking in the Mitchell River National Park.

Bairnsdale in Victoria is one of those regional hub towns, like Warragul, Biloela and Port Pirie, that tend to get overlooked by overseas visitors. It is seen as a gateway to the Gippsland Lakes, or the mountains, rather than a prime destination in its own right. But there are some things to do in Bairnsdale that make it worth a look.

Where is Bairnsdale?

Bairnsdale’s population is just over 15,000. It’s the main commercial centre for East Gippsland, and is home to the Shire of East Gippsland local government. More importantly for visitors, it’s where the Great Alpine Highway and Princes Highway meet. It’s also the end of the V/Line Bairnsdale Line from Melbourne, if you’re coming by train. By car, Bairnsdale is a 281km drive west of Melbourne.

Streetscape of Bairnsdale in Victoria — Bairnsdale in Victoria is the regional centre for East Gippsland. Photo courtesy of Visit Victoria.

Things to do in Bairnsdale, Victoria: St Mary’s Church

The main attraction in Bairnsdale is St Mary’s Church. Built at the beginning of the 19th century, St Mary’s is unusually Romanesque for Australia. It’s the murals inside, painted by Italian artist Francesco Floreani, that pull in the visitors, however.

Perhaps more interesting is the Krowathunkooloong Keeping Place. This is effectively a museum of the local Aboriginal culture. The Krowathunkooloong Keeping Place features Indigenous art, plus traditional artefacts such as grass baskets, boomerangs and bark canoes. It’s not an in-depth look at the local Gunnai/ Kurnai culture, but it does provide some insights.

Bairnsdale wineries

There are also several wineries around Bairnsdale. Sarsfield Estate Winery, Lightfoot and Sons, Nicholson River Winery, Tambo Winery and Mount Markey Winery are all within easy reach of Bairnsdale. Cellar door hours vary, so check with the wineries.

Things to do in Bairnsdale, Victoria: Macleod Morass Wildlife Reserve

Birdwatchers might want to divert just south of Bairnsdale, to the Macleod Morass Wildlife Reserve. This Ramsar-recognised wetland plays host to several native and migratory bird species. But the key attractions, the Gippsland Lakes, are a little further south. And if your primary objective is to visit the lakes, then you may as well stay in Paynesville or Lakes Entrance.

What to do in Bairnsdale, Victoria: Mitchell River National Park

To the north-east of Bairnsdale is the Mitchell River National Park. This green, gorge-lined national park is best explored along the Mitchell River Walking Track. Stretching for 18km and best explored over two days, the Mitchell River Walking Track follows the river through rainforest and the Den of Nargun Gorge.

Bairnsdale accommodation choices include the historic Grand Terminus Hotel and family-friendly NRMA Bairnsdale Riverside Holiday Park.